Being an expat as an American in the land down under is not really a challenge when you consider all the other possibilities in the world. Yet, like transplanting yourself in any foreign country, there are definitely ups and downs, those of which I can talk about now that I’ve been in Australia for 2 years. I’ve dealt with many of those reaffirming moments where you know you’ve made a great decision to head somewhere abroad, as well as many of those bittersweet moments where lacking a simple piece of comfort food makes you bang your head on the table in disappointment.

Of course, those moments are going to vary by person, but the following ups and downs could probably be considered a standard.

THE UPS:

Australia is an English-speaking country.

Even though I like to joke about the language differences between Australia and America, it is still English that they are speaking. Language difficulties are not really an issue because you can always ask and understand what a new piece of Aussie slang refers to when the time comes. Because of this, the transition is quite easy for Americans who can slip on in, apply for jobs where communication is key and simply become one of the mates.

Australia is easy for my family to visit and adjust to.

Culturally, there aren’t that many big differences between Australia and America, so when my American family comes to visit, they really don’t have a lot of trouble getting around and fitting in. In fact, I think my family in particular took to Australia a bit too much on their first visit and was probably more concerned with chatting with the locals at the pub than hanging out with their expat daughter. I guess whatever makes the stay more enjoyable and helps them come back again is a good thing, right?

The weather is generally fantastic and snowy winters are a thing of the past.

A large part of North America suffers through brutal, cold winters – something of which I am not a fan having been subjected to a Midwestern childhood. I enjoy the mild winters of Sydney, as well as the “winter” of the tropical north where the sun is shining and a jacket is only occasionally necessary. Even when it’s sweltering in the summer, there’s always a beach nearby here in Sydney!

THE DOWNS:

Australia is very far from North America.

As you can imagine, a 20 hour flight home is not an easy feat, and the price is doubly bad. Because of this, I find it hard to make both time and money to visit home, and I’m sure it is the same for my family when they want to come here. As advanced as Australia may be in this world, it really does feel, sometimes, as though you’re in the middle of nowhere, and that’s not good for homesickness.

Australia lacks good Mexican food.

I’m becoming a broken record here. Just within the last year, I’ve seen major improvements in this sphere of restaurant choices, but it will continue to take a bit of time to make it one that I can trust. Spaghetti sauce instead of salsa? This has happened on several occasions at Mexican joints in Australia, so just be warned, future Australia travelers and expats. That comfort food you know and love might not be available when you need it most.

Australia’s sunshine is very strong.

While the weather is typically awesome down under, I must point out that the sunshine is some of the harshest in the world. That, combined with it being an outdoors country, means that people who live here need to be extra smart about sun protection or else face a higher risk of skin cancer than any other part of the world. I’m not saying this to deter any would be expats coming to Oz; I’m just telling the facts. It makes you second guess your decision to be down under when the TV commercials are warning of the dangers of being outside.

These points are just the beginning of the world of being an American expat in Australia, but they are a few good ones to mention. Moving overseas is never a situation where you make the move and life is immediately and always blissful; you have to weigh in your mind the issues such as leaving family behind and how hard it will be to get home if you ever need to in the future.

by Brooke Schoenman

Brooke Schoenman is the writer behind WhyGo Australia, an online travel guide to Oz. Brooke is an American that is living the expat dream in Sydney, having barbies on the beach with Sunday arvo beers, and wearing lots of sunscreen. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

As an American expat myself, I always enjoy reading about fellow expat’s experiences. Though Australia’s culture is more similar to back home than Spain, it just goes to show, no matter how close the cultures may seem to be, there’s always more than what meets the eye. Great post, Brooke!

Great post Brooke ! Pretty much spot on about mexican food. I arrived over 5years ago for uni then met an aussie and now working on Defacto PR/citizenship. I was shocked to see Xquisito in Macquarie Centre serving crepes as tortillas made by korean students hahah just makes me chuckle but then again thats sort of the beauty of this country, so many mix of cultures and everyday is a challenge of undue stereotypes.

Andrea I must say I agree with you on your ups n downs,
Having been a new south welshman until 6mo ago I must say I find racism/xenophobia/ignorance in Queensland is as bad as in the deep south/Texas and I’m only in Gold Coast. Even my Aussie partner has found things to be almost like a different culture here, his comment was “welcome to Queensland, set your watches back 50years” sorry am not trying to generalise there are positive and ignorant people everywhere just seems to be higher number here and it is the birth place of “one nation”.

In all I must say I like that Australian Ghetto is almost unheard of and we don’t have that “other side of the tracks” mentality. Things are a bit more about a “fair go”.
And the hatred of yanks usually comes down to those who hate the same things many others in the US also hate about it such as the wars, terrorism/fear/ignorance and Divine Imperialism etc But I have found coming with an open mind and an embrace of the “aussie kultcha” relieves one of the “dirty american” stereotype.

Gudonya for a great post mate and may cross paths someday, kick boots with a Carlton n some prawns on the barbie

My partner and I are getting ready to relocate to Sydney area for a 2 year work assignment.
I have a million questions on minor details…like to they use flavored coffee creamer? Can I get fresh cilantro?

Jeanette Bokland – There is only Coffee Mate coffee creamer here in the small individual sizes you can get in a pack of 10. I first tried a coffee creamer when we went there as my bestie introduced us to it. It was international delight? My husband bought some online and got it shipped to aust it cost us $90 for 10 vanilla and 10 hazelnt small bottles lol. They’re so good though! I miss it!

I loved the shopping there in the US. But i didnt like the fact how fast the day went and everything was work work work. I LOVE the family life work life balance here in Aust

I miss being some place I can go shoot a gun. I can go listen to country music. Road worthy, seriously sometimes I’m just over it. Fortunately Im accepting enough to deal with it but sometimes Im really really really over it…..

I have been in Australia from the US for almost 3 years and love it here! I have gotten my partner temp resident visa and am so happy about that. The only real downside I have found is that I haven’t been able to find work – I would like to soon, but the crackdown on employing visa holders means likely I won’t be finding a job anytime soon. Although I understand the reasons behind it, having something at least part time would certainly help us. I am just north of Brisbane near Redcliffe if anyone knows of a place hiring

I’ve been pondering whether or not becoming an american expat to australia. my views on where the united states is heading socially, government-wise and economically are some-what alarming to me. are there any strong legal hurdles that most americans are unaware of? i have served in the united states navy, would that allow: more, less or no differing benefits on trying to expatriate? relevant information would be extremely appreciated!

Hi folks
Australia sucks! I’m from Chicago – been here for almost 3 yrs and I could care less about the weather, food, accents here: it’s the politics, lack of custimer service, being invisible in the work force, small town mentality, backwardness, ignorance, racism, boys club mentality